Neighborhood Honor Roll
The Neighborhood Honor Roll is a citywide award to honor people who improve the quality of life in Saint Paul. The Neighborhood Honor Roll Awards Night recognizes those neighbors who go above and beyond to help make Saint Paul neighborhoods a better place in which to live and work, and who have made a sustained and lasting impact.
The Neighborhood Honor Roll is a citywide award to honor people who improve the quality of life in Saint Paul. The Neighborhood Honor Roll Awards Night recognizes those neighbors who go above and beyond to help make Saint Paul neighborhoods a better place in which to live and work, and who have made a sustained and lasting impact.
Residents of West 7th nominate individuals or groups who have helped to make the West 7th/Fort Road community a better place to live, work, and/or play. We know there are many unsung heroes in West 7th and this is an opportunity for them to be recognized. The West 7th/Fort Road Federation Board of Directors selects up to three of the nominees to be recognized at the Neighborhood Honor Roll Awards Night which typically takes place in January.
2019 Awardees
Little Bohemian Neighborhood Association
Marit and Tom Brock organized the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association (LBNA) 10 years ago, when Little Bohemia was experiencing many investor-owned foreclosed homes.
Working with the Fort Road Federation, LBNA identified foreclosed properties to be rehabilitated and sold to new residents; existing residents could be reimbursed for home some repairs. LBNA then established a park with artist-designed exercise equipment and renewed and maintained the I-35E biking and walking trail. LBNA continues by ensuring a succession of resident leaders: Mark Fangmeier and Lindsay Kimball, Lam Nguyen and Michael O’Hare.
Craig Cohen
Craig Cohen has worked in the West 7th neighborhood for several years as property owner and developer. By developing Keg and Case West 7th Market, Craig and his team revitalized an iconic building that may have remained neglected or turned into a big box retailer. Instead it provides a gathering place with unique vendors and events. He has been an exemplary community partner - engaged in community interests and concerns. Craig is a model for Saint Paul community developers.
Spirit of the West 7th Community Center
Cathalina Young, after school teacher and Michelle Ooley, Mobile Menders, Inc. Cathalina teaches at the Community Center for over 15 years. She helps keep Fare for All in the neighborhood, organizes free movie night, and always knows who will make the best use of a donation.
Michelle Ooley, a West 7th resident, founded Mobile Menders, which is a non profit volunteer group that provides free mending services to those in need. They believe everyone deserves clothes that fit and are in good shape. Mobile Menders is at the West 7th Community Center monthly and mends for Meals and Wheels in addition to 25 other locations throughout the Twin Cities.
2019 Awardees
Little Bohemian Neighborhood Association
Marit and Tom Brock organized the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association (LBNA) 10 years ago, when Little Bohemia was experiencing many investor-owned foreclosed homes.
Working with the Fort Road Federation, LBNA identified foreclosed properties to be rehabilitated and sold to new residents; existing residents could be reimbursed for home some repairs. LBNA then established a park with artist-designed exercise equipment and renewed and maintained the I-35E biking and walking trail. LBNA continues by ensuring a succession of resident leaders: Mark Fangmeier and Lindsay Kimball, Lam Nguyen and Michael O’Hare.
Craig Cohen
Craig Cohen has worked in the West 7th neighborhood for several years as property owner and developer. By developing Keg and Case West 7th Market, Craig and his team revitalized an iconic building that may have remained neglected or turned into a big box retailer. Instead it provides a gathering place with unique vendors and events. He has been an exemplary community partner - engaged in community interests and concerns. Craig is a model for Saint Paul community developers.
Spirit of the West 7th Community Center
Cathalina Young, after school teacher and Michelle Ooley, Mobile Menders, Inc. Cathalina teaches at the Community Center for over 15 years. She helps keep Fare for All in the neighborhood, organizes free movie night, and always knows who will make the best use of a donation.
Michelle Ooley, a West 7th resident, founded Mobile Menders, which is a non profit volunteer group that provides free mending services to those in need. They believe everyone deserves clothes that fit and are in good shape. Mobile Menders is at the West 7th Community Center monthly and mends for Meals and Wheels in addition to 25 other locations throughout the Twin Cities.